Lindenwood University already has begun to change the appearance of First Capitol Drive in St. Charles. A $500,000 construction project this spring will triple the size of the university bookstore and give a much-needed facelift to an old strip mall.

Lindenwood's original plan for the strip mall was to construct a new roof to give the building a neo-classical look--similar to the rest of the 174-year-old campus. But school officials have experienced a dramatic increase in bookstore merchandise sales, hence the increased scope of the project.

The bookstore remains open during the renovation and remodeling, which is expected to last until June 1. Renovated office space in the strip mall will open in the summer.

The renovation coincides with the relocation of First Capitol Drive, a project being done in partnership between the City of St. Charles, Lindenwood University and the Missouri Department of Transportation.

The road relocation, set to begin this summer, will happen just as Lindenwood moves into the busiest part of construction on a $12 million, 112,000-square-foot campus center. Two $5 million, 180-bed residence halls opened to students in the fall.

Officials say the relocation of First Capitol will not only benefit Lindenwood, but improve an aging state highway and spur economic development in a blighted area.